Why did your doctor perform this procedure?
A lumbar sympathetic block is used by your doctor to help diagnose and treat different types of neuropathic (nerve injury or irritation) pain in your legs or feet.  This pain is usually burning and you may have sensitivity to any type of light touch.  The lumbar sympathetic ganglions are small bundles of nerves in your back.  The nerves in the lumbar sympathetic ganglia are called sympathetic nerves and problems with these nerves will often cause the burning pain and sensitivity in your leg or foot.  A lumbar sympathetic block temporarily turns off these nerves.

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How is the procedure performed?
You will have an intravenous line (IV) inserted before the procedure.  You will receive a sedative through your IV to help you relax during the procedure.  A very small needle is inserted into your lower back near the spine on the affected side.  The needle will be inserted under X-ray as this helps your doctor guide the needle to the correct position.  When the needle is in the right position, local anesthetic will be injected onto the lumbar sympathetic ganglia to “turn off” the nerves.  After your procedure, you will be watched closely by our nurses in the recovery room.

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What can you expect after the procedure?
After the lumbar sympathetic block is performed, you will notice certain symptoms that may be present for up to 8-12 hours.  You may notice increased warmth and redness of the leg and foot.  Rarely, you may have some numbness or weakness of the leg or foot.  Again, these symptoms are only temporary and will go away in time.  Since these symptoms are present and since you have likely had sedation, you will need a ride home.  You will need to avoid the following activities until these sensations have passed:  walking, climbing, driving and any exertion.

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What if you have side effects?
You may experience a small amount of bruising, bleeding or swelling at the injection site.  It is best to apply ice compresses in the first 24 hours followed by heat after 24 hours in short durations, usually 20 minutes at a time.  Please continue your regular medications.  If you are experiencing other difficulties or side effects, please call our office at 742-7030 so that we may recommend further action.